SPECS Building For Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) Practice Test

How does BERDE treat water reuse on-site?

Prohibits any on-site water reuse due to safety concerns. Encourages graywater/reuse systems where appropriate, with treatment and safety measures. Mandates desalination for all on-site reuse. Allows reuse only if potable water is consumed.

Correct Answer:

Encourages graywater/reuse systems where appropriate, with treatment and safety measures.

Explanation:

On-site water reuse is treated as a practical and acceptable strategy under BERDE, provided there is proper treatment and safety safeguards. BERDE recognizes that graywater and other non-potable water streams can be reused for appropriate uses—such as toilet flushing or landscape irrigation—after suitable treatment to meet health and water-quality standards. This approach helps conserve potable water while protecting occupants, rather than banning reuse or mandating costly options like desalination or potable-reuse for all cases. The emphasis is on ensuring the water is adequately treated and that safety controls are in place, including separation from potable supplies and monitoring to maintain quality.

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